Somnoplasty (cont.)

What happens after the procedure?

Snoring can be expected to be worse immediately after the procedure because of local swelling of the tissues treated. Improvement usually begins in one or two weeks, and continues to occur for up to several months.

You will be able to go home once you feel comfortable. Most patients can safely drive themselves home from the office. It is best to sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for several nights following the procedure. A sense of fullness in the back of the throat is commonly reported for several days. By keeping your head elevated above your heart, you can minimize edema and swelling. Applying an ice pack to the neck may help relieve swelling.

You may experience a sore throat for several days for which you may take acetaminophen (TYLENOL, and others) or ibuprofen (ADVIL, NUPRIN, and others). A throat lozenge, such as Cepacol, can be soothing to the throat.

Do not eat or drink until the anesthesia has gone away. After this time, you may advance your diet as tolerated.

An appointment for a checkup should be made 7 to 10 days after the procedure. Call your doctor's office to schedule this appointment.

Notify your doctor if you have:

1. Extreme difficulty swallowing.
2. Difficulty breathing.
3. Sudden bleeding from the surgical site.

Somnoplasty At A Glance

• Somnoplasty is a surgical treatment for snoring.
• Somnoplasty uses heat energy to remove tissues of the uvula and soft palate.
• Somnoplasty is an in-office procedure done with local anesthesia.
• Somnoplasty is not indicated for the treatment of sleep apnea.

Last Editorial Review: 4/24/2002

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